Curfew Imposed at Simara Airport as Gen Z Youth Protest Mahesh Basnet’s Planned Visit

A curfew has been enforced around Simara Airport in Bara following clashes between young Gen Z protesters and political activists, sparked by the anticipated arrival of CPN-UML leader Mahesh Basnet.

Why the Tension Flared Up

• The demonstration was staged by Gen Z youth who oppose Basnet’s visit.
  
• Basnet, a member of the UML Standing Committee and in-charge of Youth Association Nepal, was expected at a youth rally in Bara.
  
• Protesters surrounded the airport area, resulting in clashes with UML workers and security forces.
  

Curfew Details & Security Measures

• Authorities imposed a curfew from 12 PM to 8 PM around the airport and its surroundings.
  
• The restriction covers a 500-meter radius on both sides of the Gandak canal–Pathlaiya road and around the airport.
  
• The curfew order prohibits gatherings, protests, rallies, or any public meetings in the defined zone.
  
• To enforce the curfew, Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force have been deployed heavily in and around the airport.

What’s at Stake

• The protest underscores deep frustration among young Nepalis (Gen Z) about political leadership and corruption.
  
• Gen Z youth see Basnet’s visit as symbolic of old-school political power and are using civil resistance to demand more accountability.
  
• The curfew reflects how seriously authorities are treating the unrest, fearing escalation in a politically charged environment.
  

Broader Context: Gen Z Protests in Nepal

• These protests are part of a wider Gen Z-led movement across Nepal, driven by anger over corruption, elite power structures, and recent restrictions on social media.
  
• Curfews have also been imposed in other areas, including Kathmandu’s New Baneshwor area.
  
• The Nepal Army has been mobilized in multiple zones to maintain order amid growing tensions.
  

What to Watch Going Forward

• Will Mahesh Basnet still make it to Simara, and how will authorities manage his security?
  
• Could this protest escalate into something larger, given the broader Gen Z mobilization?
  
• Will the curfew remain in place beyond the current schedule if tensions don’t ease?
  
• How will political parties respond to increasingly vocal youth criticism and public demonstrations?